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I am contemplating booking a 5-night stay at the Riviera (if available) for March. For those of you who have seen the physical models, do the Tower Studios include a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, or is that only in the Deluxe Studio?

DIS Veteran

I am contemplating booking a 5-night stay at the Riviera (if available) for March. For those of you who have seen the physical models, do the Tower Studios include a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, or is that only in the Deluxe Studio?

We have not pushed the button yet on buying RIV (but we are close) and this has been my thinking. I've been wanting to do this for a long time now and not being able to stay at RIV or any other new resort swayed me in the direction to buy direct. And as a first time owner, I'm too excited about RIV to want any other home resort (although I absolutely loved our recent Boardwalk stay and considered buying that direct).

DIS Veteran

We have not pushed the button yet on buying RIV (but we are close) and this has been my thinking. I've been wanting to do this for a long time now and not being able to stay at RIV or any other new resort swayed me in the direction to buy direct. And as a first time owner, I'm too excited about RIV to want any other home resort (although I absolutely loved our recent Boardwalk stay and considered buying that direct).

What's funny is now that we have a 100 points at Riviera and I know we can stay there, I have add on-itis in the worst way for a BLT resale.

What size contract are you wanting? Do you mind a split stay? You could always buy all the points you want in a Boardwalk resale and then add 75 at Riviera for the benefits and to stay there for at least part of each trip.

I struggled a lot with what felt almost like putting my stamp of approval on Disney's restrictions by buying Riviera, but in the end, that's where my family wants to stay the most. Also, some of the members here wrote some great posts about how the popularity of the resort will drive resale demand and therefore price more than anything. Good luck on your decision! And I salute your holding out so far... maybe Disney will realize the animosity they are causing just isn't worth it.

Just curious... have you told a Disney guide that's why you haven't purchased?

DIS Veteran

The Disney Skyliner, which is just about a month away from opening, will transport guests high above the Walt Disney World Resort from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and...

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The Disney Skyliner, which is just about a month away from opening, will transport guests high above the Walt Disney World Resort from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and...

DIS Veteran

With rooftop dining, fireworks views of two parks, gondolas and rooms that appear to be a cut above the existing Epcot resorts, I think Riviera will attract the same sort of guest as VGF by offering a more upscale experience. At a price of course, but regardless of how one wants to classify/compare it to other resorts, it will offer more bells and whistles than the current Epcot resorts.

Especially because Riviera is a fully DVC resort, it seems like their focus is more on promoting point sales vs one time cash stays. If that’s what you meant by “cash.” From a price per point standpoint, they’ve positioned Riviera to look more attractive by making BLT, for example, $225 per point versus Riviera’s $188. If a non-owner is looking to stay at Riviera, renting points from an owner is probably going to be the most economical way to go vs. cash through Disney.

I do agree that even renting, BLT is going to be the same price or cheaper than Riviera usually. But that’s par for the course... I doubt any future DVC rooms are going to be remotely close to the low point costs of olden day resorts.